Yesterday saw local speakers organisation, Newcastle Business Club, host their largest event ever, with a capacity crowd attending Newcastle City Hall to hear from past Prime Minister John Howard.

Newcastle Business Club President, Ty Brennock, said the sold out event is a turning point for the 82-year-old organisation.

“Like any organisation, Newcastle Business Club has had to reinvent itself over the years,” Ty said. “We have been pleased to witness steadily increasing attendance numbers at our events this year, with the John Howard event being a standout success.”

“Tickets sold out well in advance, so the strategic decision to bring John Howard to the Hunter region has really paid off.”

Newcastle Business Club has undergone an internal makeover this year, striving to increase membership and attendance at events, as well as overhauling their ticketing and membership systems.

“The committee have really been focused on ways to deliver the highest level of services to our members and we’ve really looked at our speaker lineup as a core element of that strategy,” Ty continued.

“As a speakers Club with such a wealth of history, it is important to retain our roots, while finding the best ways to innovative and meet the needs of our members.”

Established in 1933, when five mangers formed the Club, it is now one of the oldest Business Clubs in Australia. Newcastle Business Club guest speakers have included high profile community members, management experts, business people, politicians and people from the areas of sport, arts and entertainment. Once a weekly format, the Club now offers monthly luncheon events.

Image | The 2015 Newcastle Business Club committee (Back row) Graeme Keddie, Greg Valentine, Tiron Manning, Kris Leck (Front row) Ty Brennock, Holly Martin, Kate Grob, Helen Ogle, Jo Bright, Anna Bailey, Josh Fullerton